Date: 03/16/2024 03/17/2024
Location: Star River Meditation Center
Teacher: Yunquan Huang
Weekly Buddhist Cuisine Menu
Braised Tofu with Button Mushrooms
Summary:
This is a tender, umami-rich vegan braised dish where soft tofu and juicy button mushrooms come together in a flavorful sauce, making it a hearty and nutritious main dish.
Ingredients:
Soft tofu 300g (cubed)
Button mushrooms 150g (washed and sliced)
Red bell pepper 50g (sliced, optional)
Light soy sauce 1.5 tablespoons
Vegetarian oyster sauce 1 tablespoon (optional)
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
White pepper powder to taste (optional)
Five-spice powder 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Cornstarch 1 tablespoon (mixed with 2 tablespoons of water)
Vegetable oil 1 tablespoon
Water or vegetable broth 200ml
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tofu:
Cut the soft tofu into cubes and blanch in boiling water for 1 minute to remove any raw taste. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat, add the sliced mushrooms, and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
3. Simmer and Season:
Pour in water or vegetable broth, add light soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce (optional), salt, and white pepper powder (optional). Stir well, cover, and simmer on low heat for 3 minutes.
4. Add the Tofu:
Gently add the blanched tofu cubes, mix well, and let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Pour in the cornstarch slurry, stirring quickly to thicken the sauce and coat the tofu and mushrooms evenly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with red bell pepper slices (optional). Enjoy immediately. The dish is silky, umami-rich, and has a delicate yet deep flavor.
